Good News on Water Quality
We are happy to report that E.coli levels returned to non-detectable in water sampled by WLCC volunteers in late August
Swimming Advisory
Our routine lake water testing on 5 August, 2026, at the East end of the lake indicates high E-coli count in the test area. The count is above the acceptable healthy and safe swimming limit and therefore the Eastern end of the lake is not considered healthy for swimming.
Dam construction – water diversion pipes
These huge pre-cast concrete pipes will be used to divert lake water around the cofferdam once it is installed this month. Diverting lake water around the temporary cofferdam ensures that the structure remains stable and protects the dry lakebed worksite so that construction crews and heavy machinery can begin to dismantle the old Williams Lake dam. [Photo: Kathleen Hall, May 2026]
New dam work begins
Construction on the long-anticipated replacement of the Williams Lake dam is set to begin this June, marking a major milestone in efforts to enhance safety for people living in the area, protect their properties, and the ecosystem. The Province is investing $4.965 million in this project, which is being managed by Build Nova Scotia.
Williams Lake levels update June 1
Lake levels will begin to drop today and continue over the next 2.5 week as the construction site is prepared for the next important phase of the building of the new dam.